Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEvents & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused Award
The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
The award aims to foster sustainability in the industry. The winner in the student designer category will receive an internship with Kering’s jewelry brands, while the winner in the startups category will be awarded mentorship with Poli.Design at Politecnico di Milano.
Paris—Kering’s sustainability-focused award, in partnership with the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and Poli.Design at Politecnico di Milano, has returned for its second edition.
The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” debuted last year at JCK Las Vegas as an extension of its “Generation Award” that launched in 2018 for the fashion sector.
The award seeks to promote sustainability and innovation in the jewelry sector, focusing on efforts by young designers and startups.
“In today’s world, the jewelry we produce must reflect society’s concern for environmental and social awareness, enhanced through the innovative use of new technologies and knowledge in a circular economy. The Kering Generation x Jewelry award celebrates this movement,” said Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO.
The theme of the second edition is the same as the first edition, “Second Chance, First Choice.”
Kering said the goal of the theme is to reduce the environmental impact of the jewelry industry in terms of products, processes, services, and technology through innovative solutions across new innovative materials, artificial intelligence, packaging, and retail-focused technologies.
Related stories will be right here …
The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” debuted last year at JCK Las Vegas as an extension of its “Generation Award” that launched in 2018 for the fashion sector.
The award seeks to promote sustainability and innovation in the jewelry sector, focusing on efforts by young designers and startups.
“In today’s world, the jewelry we produce must reflect society’s concern for environmental and social awareness, enhanced through the innovative use of new technologies and knowledge in a circular economy. The Kering Generation x Jewelry award celebrates this movement,” said Gaetano Cavalieri, president of CIBJO.
The theme of the second edition is the same as the first edition, “Second Chance, First Choice.”
Kering said the goal of the theme is to reduce the environmental impact of the jewelry industry in terms of products, processes, services, and technology through innovative solutions across new innovative materials, artificial intelligence, packaging, and retail-focused technologies.
Kering and its jewelry brands—Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, and Qeelin—will work with 10 universities, selected by Poli.Design at Politecnico di Milano—that offer courses on jewelry and sustainability for the contest.
The students will be mentored by the professors and tasked with transforming discarded materials into valuable pieces, while the startups will use an existing product, technology, or services in the jewelry sector that aligns with the contest’s theme.
“This approach aims to elevate the concept of sustainability, transcending the value of materials,” said Kering.
“By engaging young creatives from leading international academic institutions and emerging entrepreneurial ventures, the initiative positions itself as a space for collaboration and experimentation, dedicated to fostering new ideas and responsible approaches for the future,” added Alba Cappellieri, head of jewelry at Politecnico di Milano and the scientific coordinator of the award.
The four shortlisted finalists of the Kering Generation Award x Jewelry will present their projects to a jury in July during Haute Couture Week in Paris.
Two winners will be chosen, one student and one startup.
The student winner will be offered an internship opportunity with one of Kering’s jewelry brands.
The startup winner will be awarded mentorship from Poli.Design at Politecnico di Milano.
Applications will be accepted through April 15.
For more information and to apply, visit Poli.Design’s website.
“The success of the inaugural Kering Generation Award x Jewelry showed us just how many emerging leaders are eager to drive change and redefine sustainable jewelry,” said Marie-Claire Daveu, chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer at Kering.
“At Kering, we believe that fostering ideas at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and environmental responsibility is not just important—it is essential.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
